Boss Ferguson hit out at the criticism of the 22-year-old keeper, with ex-Red Neville among the most outspoken.

“I’m not getting into that at all,” said Ferguson when De Gea was raised. “We have to listen to some idiots in the game.”

Neville was brutal in his analysis of the keeper’s weak punch, which led to Tottenham’s goal in added time, and saw United’s lead at the top of the Premier League reduced to five points.

“There’s an incredible amount of accountability in that dressing room,” said Neville. “It’s not a place that’s forgiving, it’s not a place where you won’t get people who will confront each other when mistakes are made.

“If you play at that club, in that dressing room, under that manager, it’s about learning fast.”

Beck and call: Fergie expects to be charged for comments (Image: Matthew Peters)

The United boss also hinted he expected to be charged by the FA, who asked him to explain his post-match comments at Spurs.

Ferguson criticised the performance of referee's assistant Simon Beck and branded his display "shocking" after he failed to award United a penalty when Wayne Rooney went down.

Asked about the prospect of an FA charge, Ferguson said: "I wouldn't bet on that [escaping a misconduct charge].